Views: 60 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2022-02-23 Origin: Site
When a loved one dies, when you are grieving, the last thing you should worry about is negotiating the price of a tombstone for your loved one. So knowing how much a tombstone should cost will help ensure you get a fair deal.
Advice after bereavement: If you are the executor of a deceased loved one, the emotional and technical aspects of dealing with their unfinished business can be overwhelming because you have no way of organizing your process. We have a post-bereavement checklist that can help you make sure your loved one's family, possessions, and other affairs are properly handled.
Why are cemetery tombstones so expensive?
1.Real Actual Stone: The most obvious cost associated with a tombstone is the stone itself. While stone appears to be a low-cost material, the stones used to build tombstones took thousands of years to form. Stone is very durable and a non-renewable resource, that's what it's worth.
There are currently two main tombstone options: granite and marble.
The most common gravestone material today is granite, which comes in a variety of colors. Different colors come from far away places around the world, so the color of granite you choose will affect the price. More rocks need to be transported and taxed, which will increase the cost. Granite, however, is popular because it is durable and relatively inexpensive, regardless of color, so the average cost of a tombstone is about $450.
Marble is more expensive, but many prefer its smoother look. Marble tombstones also weather faster than granite tombstones. Keep in mind that you may need to invest more in maintenance to keep it looking its best. The average price for a marble tombstone is between $1,500 and $1,800.
2.Gravestone Carving: In addition to the actual stone material, creating a tombstone requires skilled carving. Tombstone engraving can vary in cost depending on the level of detail of the engraving you require. The average cost of engraving each letter on a tombstone is about $20, and the inscription is 20 or 30 letters long. Additional letters usually cost less, around $10 per character. Normally you order a standard tombstone with a lover's name, date of birth and date of death, and the average cost is about $500.
You can choose to have an engraved nameplate instead of being carved directly into the stone. Tombstones often have engraved bronze plaques that are both durable and economical. Bronze plaques can also add detail to otherwise simple flat tombstones. The average price for bronze and aluminum commemorative plaques is between $100 and $300. Very simple patches may cost less, while larger or complex patches may cost more.
3.Installing tombstones: Installing tombstones is a critical part of the process, so most cemeteries offer tombstone installation services for a fee. If your cemetery does not offer this service, consider hiring a professional monument installation team. Installing tombstones yourself is generally not recommended (although you may be allowed to do so, depending on the location). The finished tombstone is heavy and you have made a significant investment into this. You want to make sure the stone sits correctly and stays in place for a long time.
The process of installing a tombstone involves accurately measuring the stone, digging a suitable-sized hole in the tombstone's location, and often placing a concrete base. Concrete foundations are only required for medium and large tombstones. This step is not necessary if you have a small flat tombstone. The average cost of a tombstone installation is between $200 and $500. Prices will depend on the amount of work required and the size of the monument. Funeral tombstones cost an average of $350 to $650 to install. If the stone requires a concrete foundation, it costs extra.
4.Tombstone Maintenance: The cost of a tombstone does not end when it is safely buried. Although tombstones are made of sturdy materials, they still require regular maintenance.
Of course, you can also maintain your loved one's tombstone yourself - check out our guide on how to clean a tombstone. But professional tombstone cleaners often have skills that make the process easier and increase the life of the stone. Also, you may not always want to take responsibility for maintaining the grave yourself. Tombstone cleaning by a tombstone repair company typically costs between $30 and $180. You can even add services like planting flowers and watering the grass.
5.Restoration of Tombstones: In addition to regular maintenance, tombstones require occasional repairs. Wind, rain and temperature changes can wear away the surface and details of the stone. If a tombstone is damaged, it is best to repair it as soon as possible. Restoration of tombstones includes resurfacing, or even complete reinstallation, to keep the tombstone upright. It can also include detailed carving of tombstones and restoration of the lustre of the surface of the stone with careful polishing. Tombstone restoration costs vary depending on the state of the tombstone. A worse tombstone will cost more to restore. A tombstone in good shape, save for some faded lettering, won't cost a fortune to restore. You can contact a professional monument company in your area to find out how much they charge for the type of restoration you need.
6.Other Factors: We have paid the average cost of necessary tombstone materials and services, including creation and installation. But there are some additional details to consider, which could add to the cost of the tombstone. If you want to add accessories like full-color ceramic images, vases, sculptures or statues, you need to consider the price. The average costs listed here are just a general starting point. The Cemetery and Monument Service charges different fees for the production, carving and installation of headstones. Ask the cemetery or business for a full price list, and don't be afraid to ask about costs.
